The MOUTHPEACE Collaborative began by hosting mixed-media events with local artisans, academics and performers in 2013. Over the past three years, we have grown to offer a cross-disciplinary, long-term approach to incubating and implementing real, artistic approaches to the lasting predicaments of humanity. Some of these problems are simple, such as how to mindfully create and promote music, clothing, and other extensions of entertainment - how to fund ourselves without losing touch with what we believe is most important.

 

Some of these problems are more complex, yet entirely approachable; such as how to build and promote food sovereignty in a local living community like our own. Some may call us dreamers, but they are missing the point - that we always follow through with every project we deem our responsibility to undertake. 

 

Our three current startup projects are based out of a single makerspace; a print studio, an A/V recording lab, and a greenhouse. From here, we currently design and facilitate a houseband, merchandising needs, and research/development to fund our social projects. We are still a startup, but our steadfast intention for any merchandise is to fund our social projects. Essentially, we currently operate as a business in order to fund the costs and conflicts of becoming a non-profit. 

 

Our work is grounded in social permaculture - a long-term investment in projects and sites that encourage local peoples to participate, by benefitting them directly. Contributors to our ThinkTank work in relational communication, biology, engineering, performance, information tech, and fine arts. We all share this one goal: approaching life with a long-term, mindful approach that upholds creativity, autonomy, and deliberateness in every participant.

 

Our approach is not new, but it can seem rare. Looking out into an audience, we see participants that are helping us to build a dream that we can all continue to share in the future. When we sell a print, we don't see a dollar sign but a debt to be repaid. Every investment of time and money demands a future return. Every new idea deserves a brainstorm.